The early work organization theorist Henri Fayol outlined 14 "principles of management" that could be used in any organization. These are:
1. Proper division of labor so that each employee does the work that he or she is best suited to and that each employee grows increasingly skilled because of constant repetition of a set number of tasks.
2. The linking of authority and responsibility, which required managers to act in moral ways (since they would be required to take personal responsibility for their actions and decisions).
3. Fayol defined discipline as a combination of "obedience, application, energy, behavior and overt respect" - all of which he argued arose from good leadership."
4. Unity of command - which is the idea that all employees should receive orders from only one supervisor. This is a precept that is often violated today as three or four bosses often give contradictory orders to a bewildered employee.
5. Unity of direction - or a cohesive, clear plan for a company.
6. The sublimation of individual interests to the general interest.
7. Employees should be remuneration fairly but not excessively and effort beyond the call-of-duty should be respected.
8. A relatively high level of centralization to ensure sufficient cohesion.
9. A line of authority that allows junior employees who work together to communicate directly with each other rather than via their supervisors.
10. Good organization that emphasizes good selection: 'when ambition, nepotism, favouritism or merely ignorance, has multiplied positions without good reason or filled them with incompetent employees, much talent and strength of will and more persistence ... are required in order to sweep away abuses and restore order.'
11. An equitable and fair treatment of employees to earn their loyalty.
12. Relatively low rate of turnover so that employees feel secure and become both skilled and loyal
13. Rewarding initiative in sub...